The currently Marine Corps system of selecting and preparing aviators to command Aviation Combat Element (ACE) that support a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has become inadequate. The current practice of relying on a accumulated operational experience accumulated over a typical carrier to prepare ACE commanders is being negatively impacted by a shortened period of time spent in operational squadrons. flight operational experience. Compounding the problem of the diminishing operational experience is the growing requirement for ACE commanders educated in the art of employing different aircraft in joint environments. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is supported by a composite squadron built around a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter squadron. The Lieutenant Colonel commanding the CH-46E squadron is given detachments from CH- 53E, AH-1W, UH-1N, AV-8B, Marine Air Control Group, and personnel and equipment. These detachments more than double the size of the original parent squadron. The composite squadron provides four out of six functions of Marine Air. Currently, the Marine Corps selects commanders of Ace's on a formal process. Yet, there is no formal requirements that an officer must meet in order to be selected as an ACE commander. There is neither a formalized career path nor training pipeline to prepare the CH-46E commander to employ the unique capabilities of the ACE. Prior experience, on the job training, and a six month predeployment workup are the primary means through which a commander is supposed to acquire the requisite ACE commander skills. With current trends of reduced flight experience and accelerated promotion rates, and expanded joint integration with more capable aircraft, the Marine Corps cannot afford to rely on OJT as a proper means of preparing ACE commanders.